The Number One Quality of a Great Catechist

Recently, I was so humbled and blessed to have an opportunity to speak to the Sisters Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Immaculate Pennsylvania. There were representatives from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and Dioceses of Camden and Allentown. The Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, are a religious Congregation of women, dedicated to the ministry of education. I worked closely with Sister Helene Thomas Connolly, IHM, on planning the session and the presentation was sponsored by Sadlier Publishing.

As it was my first visit to the property, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew the sister’s reputation of gratitude, acceptance and encouragement through my interactions with Sister Rose Marie Adams, when she was Director of Religious Education for the Diocese of Raleigh, NC. I reflected on her in a post when she left that role a few years back.

What I found was more of the same. Debra Fox, Sadlier Educational Consultant, and I were greeted with the warmest hospitality on a cold morning in Malvern, PA, just outside West Chester, a suburb of Philadelphia. Every sister I met was so grateful for our visit and even had prepared the most delicious blueberry scones for us that I have ever tasted! The intentionality of every moment had been considered and they all were the most gracious group. There was even time for a guided tour of their Sacred Heart Chapel, completed in 1967. The thoughtfulness continued when, after our presentations, Sister Helene Thomas presented Debra and I, each, with a gift and card. As if the chocolates were not enough, the card is a year of prayer by the sisters in Camilla Hall, the “IHM Powerhouse of Prayer,” where daily prayers take place before the Most Blessed Sacrament. So thoughtful and touching, what a blessing!

The day was one to remember on it’s own, but even more special, Sister Helene Thomas was recognized for her many years of service as the Director of Religious Education for the IHM Sisters. We joined the sisters for a delicious lunch which was followed by a beautiful recognition ceremony and presentations honoring Sister Helene Thomas.

The topic the Sisters chose was The Number One Quality of a Great Catechist. The following is some of what we explored and I adapted to to fit a wider audience.

Who sets the tone for student behavior in the classroom? What else should great catechists be concerned with? What is the number one quality of a great catechist?

I opened by sharing some of my faith journey that began with my engagement to the number one reason for male conversion to the Church, a female Catholic! A few unrelated people mentioned that we speak with (then) Father Lopez, a long-time teacher at St. Pius X Catholic High School in Atlanta, so we did. He invited me to attend the RCIA, so I would understand what it would be like being married to a Catholic. How’s that for non-threatening? Of course, I did but before I even attended a couple of months my fiancé backed out of the engagement. She wasn’t ready for that commitment. Well, my sponsor couple prayed with me and said “Jesus has you by the hand, let him lead you.”

The invitation by Father Lopez and prayer by the sponsor couple changed the trajectory of my life! Looking back, as catechists, we may never know the impact we make with a simple invitation or a prayer.

What kind of effect are we truly having on our children, parents, families and community?

In many ways it is impossible to tell. We never really know where people’s salvation lies. In fact, we aren’t supposed to know, and we can’t know. First of all, we don’t make those decisions for people. That’s up to God. Secondly, we only “have” people for a short amount of time. Of their time.

Also, if we were to judge, it can be very difficult to determine because faith and spirituality is complex. What we see, or even assume, can be very misleading. How many stories have we heard of people who perform diabolical things who were known by family or friends as good people, quiet, kind and would never harm a fly? On the other hand, the ones we might observe as troubled or at-risk surprise us by doing amazingly wonderful things.

As promoters and teachers of the faith, we may, and probably are, doing wonderful work for the Lord.

But, especially in our fast-paced and politically correct society and culture, we may be misinterpreted or simply say something the wrong way, leading to confusion or hurt feelings. New catechists may not have the appropriate skills or knowledge base, and more seasoned catechists may simply be tired! We certainly have plenty of challenges!

So, what is the number one quality of a great catechist?

Here are three of the qualities I shared.

Great Catechists Prepare

It’s no secret that catechists need to plan and prepare their lessons.

From the moment the first child walks into the classroom to the moment the last one leaves; all time needs to be accounted for. Great catechists know what the objectives are, what the students will be doing, and what resources will be needed for the session.

Preparing, on one hand, never begins and never ends for the professional catechist. It goes way back to one’s own formation, faith development and call. For catechists, it goes back to our life’s education and experience, and relationship with God. Catechists go through years of preparation through education, spirituality and formation.

All of this preparation shapes and develops us into who we are and who and what we have become. Through every step we have been preparing for the next opportunity, challenge and outcome. And there have been no guarantees of success or reward, and we know that that is not the reason we wake up each day!

On the other hand, preparing for a specific meeting, event or lesson has a beginning and end. Every year has a rhythm and flow stemming from the school year and Church seasons. Each season brings with it particular initiatives, meetings and events. And each initiative, meeting, even or lesson has a theme, concept or goal. And it is preparing each one of these that we do every day.

And we know that these sessions are not about the sessions themselves but are about people. Real people who are in need of what we are there to provide for them. And that is a place where people feel welcome and loved, a place where they can be accepted and heard, a place where people hear about a love that surpasses human understanding.

It is not easy to do what we do. It takes time, understanding, and preparation. It begins with a vision of a Church that is here for people, a relationship with a God who above all desires to be in intimacy and communion with people, and an understanding of challenge, and a belief in miracles. It takes preparation.

Preparation is the well from which we draw from every day.

However, is preparation the number one quality of a great catechist? No.

Great Catechists Make Learning About the Faith Engaging

Even though lessons and session time may be fully planned and the catechist may be prepared, how each activity is executed needs careful consideration. A few questions for reflection can help a good catechist become a great catechist. Consider the opening prayer; have we set the tone, are we sincere, have we invoked the Holy Spirit, are we including any motion or movements? What about activities: are they fun, do they illustrate and support a point? Is the information dumped on the learner or do we involve and encourage student learning through exploration or creating solutions? Are we keeping up with trends such as technology or tapping into the culture of those to whom we catechize? From start to finish, great catechists maximize every opportunity to make lessons engaging.

However, is making faith engaging the number one quality of a great catechist? No.

Great Catechists Make Students Feel Good About Themselves

Interestingly, preparation and engaging lessons are not enough for the great catechist. We realize that every encounter with a child is an opportunity to show them the love and acceptance of God. We treat our students with respect by valuing thought and opinion, and by never belittling them. We realize that being a catechist is not about being right; it’s about right being. Being a great catechist is about challenging children to think about how they see the world and compare that with Gospel values, and what they might be able to do to close the gap. Ultimately, the number one quality of a great catechist is to make students feel good about themselves. No matter what their level of understanding is about the faith, great catechists start there and lead students to the depth of new understanding and action. By accepting children where they are, they will be more likely to be on board with you the rest of the year.

So we could define this quality as love. Jesus was loving, and arguably, this is the number one quality of a great catechist! So, is making people feel good about themselves by loving them the number one quality of a great catechist? Yes, I believe it is!

Personal Note: Sister Helene Thomas and the Sister Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary are a wonderful Congregation that provide many valuable contributions to the Catholic Church. I believe they are living examples of loving others as Jesus did. Please pray for their community and support them in any way you may be able. Learn more at www.IhmImmaculata.org.

PS – Click the Free Downloads tab for a free Number One Quality of a Great Catechist downloadable worksheet on the foundations of catechesis to help catechists reconnect with the basics!